PLANS for the demolition of the Cliff Hotel in Bude and building 23 homes in its place have been given conditional approval by Cornwall Council.

It was revealed earlier this year that plans had been submitted by Acorn Blue to Cornwall Council which would see the demolition of the Cliff Hotel in Bude, which overlooks Crooklets Beach, in order to build a number of homes in its place.

The developer plans to replace the hotel with a mix of single, two and three-story homes on land currently occupied by the hotel, tennis courts and a bowling green.

This week the plans were given conditional approval by Cornwall Council.

The conditions of permission include the development starting within three years, surface water management schemes have been approved, archeological surveys have been completed, a Construction Environmental Management Plan has been submitted, and a Landscape and Ecology Management Plan has been submitted.

As well as this, Cornwall Council’s planning officer explained: “Prior to occupation of the development a scheme for any external lighting that is to be installed at the site, including measures to prevent light spillage shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

The applicant is also expected to present plans for the exterior materials being used to the local planning authority to ensure that visual amenity and the character and appearance of the area are in accordance with local policy.

It has also been expressed that the site may not welcome occupants until windows on the South elevation have been fitted with obscured glazing and with a restricted opening mechanism to allow privacy for the residents of Wrangle Point.

However, despite the conditions of the approval, this application has been subject to a lot of local criticism.

Bude-Stratton Town Council (BSTC) are among some of the bodies who have objected to the project, stating: “BSTC have a strong objection. Maer Down is an important site for ground nesting birds and provides a rich foraging habitat for bats and migratory bird species.

“Further concerns were raised about additional traffic loading on an already congested residential route.

“Maer Down is one of our communities greatest environmental and amenity assets. As a consequence, BSTC believe that it should be safeguarded from unnecessary and unsustainable development and protected from harm.”

As well as this, local residents have also been vocal about their concerns surrounding the development.

Commenting on the plans, one resident wrote: “I have objected to this development over and over again because it is completely unacceptable for so many reasons and will destroy this beautiful part of Bude.”

While another added: “This development would neither conserve or enhance this lovely area, and would be completely out of place.

“I feel if it is approved, it would set a dangerous precedent for further development from greedy out of county property developers.”